The Killers on TV on the Radio

Posted in MUSIC by Marcus on Oct 07, 11:00AM

Brooklyn band TV on the Radio's amazing new record Dear Science has such a unique, particular sound I'm almost loathe to post these renditions. Meticulously recorded - producer Dave Sitek thinks nothing of using 96 tracks on any given song - so much of the band's nuance is lost in the TV studio. (Or fire escape). Live at least they make up for it in sheer physicality. And wind chimes.

So these renditions of Dear Science tracks 'Dancing Choose' and 'Golden Age' on UK TV Show Jools Holland don't even approach the force of their recorded versions; even by regular standards the TV mix isn't great. But about halfway through each one there's a glimpse of the kind of power the band can muster as each element comes together. Don't miss them early next year. And get your hands on Dear Science immediately.

TV on the Radio - 'Dancing Choose' (Live on Later with Jools Holland)

TV on the Radio - 'Golden Age' (Live on Later with Jools Holland)

The Killers fared somewhat better on US comedy show Saturday Night Live however, when they played new songs from their upcoming Day & Age LP. Better at least from a mix perspective. No one could turn down the foldback on those Conan the Barbarian style shoulder pads Brandon has got going on at the moment. Christ man, have some dignity. This is the man who fronted up at Glastonbury dressed head to to toe in gold. Hairy shoulder-pads probably qualifies as casual wear in the Killers camp.

The new songs don't stray too far from the band's past template, but they do seem to be stretching away from the Springsteen-esque Americana vibe they conjured on Sam's Town. This is a good thing. Keep the arena pop skyward-looking please.